When the gates opened for the Hoochenanny Festival in Irondequoit, we knew it was going to be something special. Three days of live music, packed crowds, and a lineup headlined by rock icon Joan Jett set the stage for an unforgettable weekend. But for Farmhouse Table, the real action was up in the VIP Loft, where our crew was hard at work feeding hundreds of guests while taking in the sights and sounds of a truly one-of-a-kind event.
The Hoochenanny VIP Loft Experience
The VIP Loft was bustling from start to finish — a space where fans could enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the main stage while relaxing with food and drinks. The energy never dipped. By mid-afternoon each day, the loft was filled with conversations, laughter, and the buzz of anticipation for the music still to come.
Our team was right in the middle of it, keeping plates full and guests happy. The pace was nonstop, but the reward was seeing festival-goers settle in with a Farmhouse Table sandwich or taco while Joan Jett and other artists delivered the soundtrack of the summer just a few steps away.
A Hoochenanny Menu Made for Music Lovers
When we designed the menu for Hoochenanny’s VIP Loft, our goal was to create food that was as bold and memorable as the festival lineup. We wanted every dish to carry the Farmhouse Table signature: locally sourced ingredients, made-from-scratch preparation, and a balance of comfort and creativity.
The menu included hearty sandwiches like the Whiskey Caesar Chicken Sandwich, marinated with our house blend and topped with farm greens and garlic aioli; the Bourbon BBQ Brisket Bomber, layered with brisket, farmhouse tomato BBQ jam, and crisp greens; and the Beef Tenderloin Open-Faced Sandwich, finished with chimichurri mayo and asiago cheese.
Seafood lovers gravitated toward the Crab Louie Tacos, served street-style with lettuce, tomato, and a tangy dressing, while vegetarians had their own hit in the Grilled Summer Vegetable Sandwich, built on a foundation of basil balsamic dressing and crunchy cucumbers and radishes.
For those looking to graze between sets, we offered shareable options like our Picnic Charcuterie Box, packed with New York State cheeses, meats, dips, and pickles. Smaller bites — from quinoa salad to crostini to sweet endings like banana pudding and bourbon balls — rounded out the spread. Every item was designed to be both approachable and indulgent, the kind of food that pairs perfectly with a day of live music.
Feeding Hoochenanny’s Artists
While most of our attention was on the VIP Loft, our kitchen team also had the honor of preparing food for some of the musicians who took the stage. We won’t drop names, but we’ll share this much: more than one artist told us it was the best food they’d had on tour. Those words were a testament not only to the quality of our ingredients but to the dedication of our crew, who put the same care into each backstage plate as they did into the hundreds of meals served in the Loft.
Joan Jett Rocks Hoochenanny in Irondequoit
No Hoochenanny recap would be complete without mentioning the headliner herself. As the sun dipped and the stage lights came up, Joan Jett delivered a set that electrified the crowd. From the Loft, guests had a perfect view — one hand holding a drink, the other maybe a brisket sandwich — as she played hit after hit. The roar of the audience carried all the way back to our tent, and for a few moments even our busiest crew members couldn’t resist sneaking a glance at the legend on stage.
Hoochenanny as a Community Celebration
For Farmhouse Table, Hoochenanny was more than just another event — it was a milestone for Irondequoit. To see such a large-scale festival run so smoothly, right here in our backyard, was inspiring. It reminded us of why we do what we do: bringing people together through food, music, and shared experience.
Irondequoit has always been home to Farmhouse Table, from our first commercial kitchen on St. Paul Boulevard to our event space at Whipple Lane. Being part of an event of this scale, in this town, was both humbling and energizing. It showed what’s possible when great partners, passionate artists, and a supportive community come together.
Looking Ahead After Hoochenanny
As the last notes rang out and the Loft began to wind down, we couldn’t help but feel grateful. Grateful to the festival organizers for inviting us to be part of the debut year. Grateful to our crew, who worked tirelessly through long shifts and late nights. And grateful to the guests who trusted Farmhouse Table to fuel their weekend.
By every measure, Hoochenanny was a success — for the artists, for the community, and for Irondequoit. We can only hope it returns to the same spot next year, and if it does, you can count on Farmhouse Table to be there, cooking up another round of food to match the music.